Search Results (252)

The Arunachali mithun (Bos frontalis) is a semi-domesticated bovine of profound cultural and economic significance to the indigenous Arunachali tribal communities of Northeastern India, yet it remains among the least genomically characterised large ruminants, leaving its conservation status without an empirical genetic foundation. We performed whole-genome re-sequencing (~10× coverage) of 11 individuals and analysed 4,943,593 high-quality biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after stringent quality control. Genome-wide mean observed heterozygosity (H_o = 0.2854), expected heterozygosity (H_e = 0.3347), and nucleotide diversity (π = 7.16 × 10⁻⁴) revealed moderate genetic diversity, substantially lower than that of related commercial bovine species. A consistent heterozygosity deficit (H_o − H_e = −0.0493) and the convergence of four independent inbreeding coefficients around 0.143–0.147 indicated moderate inbreeding of predominantly reflecting an ancient origin, corroborated by runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis in which 93.2% of 24,937 detected segments fell in the short length class (100–250 kb). Linkage disequilibrium decayed from r² ≈ 0.57 at <100 kb to a plateau of r² ≈ 0.33 beyond 4–5 Mb, consistent with a small effective population size (N_e) declining from approximately 101,850 (~2228 generations ago) to approximately 160 (~5 generations ago), with ab Ne of approximately 3865 at ~100 generations ago and 423 at ~10 generations ago. These findings establish a whole-genome-based genetic diversity baseline for the Arunachali mithun and provide actionable genomic evidence for conservation and managed breeding interventions. Full article

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) are endemic zoonotic pathogens in Senegal, transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, respectively. Understanding the seasonal and spatial dynamics of their vectors is essential to improve targeted surveillance. This study investigated the abundance, diversity, and viral infection status of vector populations in a transboundary region (Matam) and a non-transboundary region (Thiès) over two seasons from September 2022 to March 2024. We collected mosquitoes using CO₂-baited CDC light traps and sampled ticks directly from domestic small ruminants. A total of 6558 mosquitoes across 23 species and 1904 ticks representing seven species were morphologically identified. Mosquito abundance peaked significantly during the rainy season. Conversely, tick diversity increased during the dry season, with Hyalomma rufipes emerging as the predominant species. Crucially, RVFV was detected exclusively in Aedes vexans mosquito pools from the transboundary Matam region, emphasizing the epidemiological risk associated with cross-border livestock mobility. Viral RNA of CCHFV was detected in multiple tick species across both regions and seasons, confirming a sustained, multi-vector enzootic cycle. These findings demonstrate persistent RVFV and CCHFV circulation in Senegal and highlight the critical need for integrated, season-specific vector surveillance frameworks. Full article

Fatty liver disease represents a major metabolic disorder affecting domestic animals worldwide, with significant implications for animal health, welfare, and agricultural productivity. Disrupted communication between mitochondria and other organelles—particularly the endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets, and lysosomes—plays a critical role in disease pathogenesis. This review synthesizes knowledge on inter-organellar communication across domestic animals, with emphasis on species-specific adaptations. We address the “Dairy Cow Paradox”—periparturient dairy cows develop severe hepatic steatosis (>30% liver fat), yet under sterile conditions, they have a higher threshold for progressing to sterile steatohepatitis compared to rodents and humans. However, it is critical to note that severe fatty liver in dairy cows is indeed associated with impaired autophagy, inflammation, and liver damage, particularly when accompanied by ketosis or concurrent infections, and 39% of transition cows exhibit moderate to severe lymphocytic hepatitis. We propose that the tolerance to severe steatosis in dairy cows arises from three adaptations: (1) attenuated innate immune sensing via the cGAS-STING pathway; (2) enhanced lipid buffering from perilipin 5 (PLIN5) with a hypothesized ruminant-specific Val152 substitution that may stabilize lipid droplet–mitochondria contacts; and (3) dampened calcium signaling due to ER–mitochondria membrane lipid raft rigidity, elevated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 2 (IP₃R2) expression, and reduced mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) conductance. We contrast this with the inflammatory steatohepatitis common in rodent models driven by calcium overload and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release, and glucocorticoid-mediated mitofusin 1 (MFN1) suppression, causing mitochondrial fragmentation in poultry. We identify critical knowledge gaps, including the need to define bovine and avian mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) proteomes and spatially resolve hepatic zonal communication patterns. Targeting organellar communication hubs with nutraceuticals or pharmacological agents offers promising therapeutic strategies. Full article

The goatpox virus (GPV) is a highly contagious pathogen primarily affecting domestic small ruminants in endemic regions of Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This study reports the first confirmed outbreak of GPV in captive wild ruminants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The outbreak occurred in a fenced 900-hectare mountainous reserve following a period of heavy rainfall, and Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), and Scimitar oryx (Oryx dammah) were affected. Clinical signs included generalized cutaneous nodules, mucopurulent nasal discharge, respiratory distress, weakness, and emaciation. Over a three-month period, 71 animals died or were euthanized. Histopathological findings were consistent with GPV infection in goats, although typical inclusion bodies were missing. Real-time PCR confirmed GPV DNA in multiple tissues with a high viral genome load. Virus isolation was successful only in lamb testis cells. Whole-genome sequencing demonstrated that the isolates were genetically identical and clustered within the Central and Western Asia lineage, showing closest similarity to a Turkish field strain. The finding highlights the potential for cross-species transmission of GPV into wildlife and emphasizes the importance of surveillance, as well as molecular diagnostic and preventative vaccination strategies at the wildlife–livestock interface. Full article

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious disease of domestic and wild small ruminants, is characterized by severe morbidity and mortality. PPRV, the causative agent, is a morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. The virus poses a significant barrier to sustainable agricultural development in the developing world. Currently, no effective therapeutics agent for PPRV infection is available. Ginsenoside Rb3, the major bioactive constituent in the plants of ginseng, was reported to exert a wide range of pharmacologic and immunologic effects. However, it is unclear whether Ginsenoside Rb3 can act as an antiviral against PPRV infection. Here, we show that Ginsenoside Rb3 exhibits significant antiviral activity against PPRV in cell culture models. The mechanism of action of Ginsenoside Rb3 against PPRV is mainly attributed to its ability to inhibit PPRV-mediated autophagy, thus leading to promotion of interferon responses. In summary, our study establishes Ginsenoside Rb3 as a novel antiviral agent effective against PPRV, sheds light on its mode of action, and reveals a novel immunomodulatory strategy that may prove essential for combating both current and future viral outbreaks. Full article

The bovine tongue is a complex and very important muscular and gustatory organ, yet a comprehensive understanding of its gustatory apparatus across diverse genetic resources remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a multidimensional analysis of the lingual morphology and taste bud (TB) distribution in 40 specimens from 12 representative bovine breeds and species across China, encompassing Bos taurus taurus (Taurine cattle), Bos taurus indicus (Zebu cattle), Bubalus bubalis (water buffalo), and Bos grunniens (domestic yak). Morphometric measurements and histological quantifications were integrated to evaluate the influence of species, sex, age, and geographical factors. Given the relatively limited sample size per breed, these findings are presented as exploratory research. Our results revealed that yak and water buffalo showed the most distinct morphological patterns of mechanical papillae compared to the other populations. Taurine and Zebu cattle displayed more similar lingual morphology traits. Although high phenotypic correlations were observed between lingual morphometric parameters and quantitative papillae indicators, factors such as age, altitude, and feeding methods showed minimal influence on lingual phenotypic variation within this cohort (p > 0.05). Furthermore, we constructed a topological atlas of TB distribution, revealing that TB distribution patterns are decoupled from macro-anatomical dimensions, highlighting the complexity of the bovine gustatory system. These findings provide a quantitative baseline for ruminant comparative anatomy and offer structural insights into the evolutionary adaptation and nutrient regulation mechanisms of diverse bovine species in varying environments. Full article

Bluetongue (BT) is a noncontagious, arthropod-borne viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants caused by bluetongue virus (BTV), an arbovirus of the Orbivirus genus within the Sedoreoviridae family. At least 36 serotypes have been identified globally; recurrent circulation of BTV-1, -4, and -8, along with the recent emergence of BTV-3 in northern Europe, underscores a persistent incursion risk for Mediterranean herds. Key drivers include climate-driven expansion of Culicoides vector niches, windborne dispersal, animal movements, and subclinical reservoirs in cattle and goats. As no specific treatment is currently available, control of bluetongue disease still relies largely on vaccination. Live-attenuated vaccines and inactivated vaccines have reduced incidence, but important limitations persist: risk of reversion and the possibility of reassortment for LAVs; requirement for multiple doses and limited cross-protection for inactivated products; and the absence of DIVA capability for both. As an alternative, next-generation platforms are under active evaluation. Subunit formulations, often VP2 combined with VP5 and/or NS1/NS2 virus-like particles (VLPs), and viral-vectored constructs demonstrate favorable safety, strong humoral and cellular responses, inherent or engineered DIVA compatibility, and potential for rapid updating against emergent serotypes. This review synthesizes recent bluetongue activity across the Mediterranean Basin and provides a critical assessment of both existing and emerging vaccine strategies, with a focus on recommending next-generation platforms that emphasize DIVA-compliant, multiserotype, and adaptable vaccination approaches, supported by integrated surveillance and vector control in the region. Full article

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections pose a formidable global challenge to livestock production and continue to affect livestock health and productivity, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study investigated the prevalence, diversity, and epidemiological determinants of GI parasites in 1406 cattle, goats, and sheep from three districts of North Bengal, India (Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri). Parasitological data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. Overall prevalence was 69.4%, with cattle showing the highest infection rate (71.62%), followed by sheep (69.30%) and goats (67.19%). Spatial variation was evident among districts, with Cooch Behar recording the highest prevalence (71.20%). Seasonal effects were assessed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMs), which indicated significantly higher infection probabilities during the monsoon (75.70%) and summer (72.95%) compared with winter (57.78%). The predominant parasite genera identified were Eimeria spp., Strongyloides spp., and Fasciola spp. Host-parasite associations were further explored using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), revealing distinct clustering patterns, with cattle associated mainly with Eimeria spp. and Strongyloides spp., goats with Trichuris spp. and Nematodirus spp., and sheep with Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. A species-specific heatmap was used to visualize parasite distribution across host species and seasons, highlighting higher infection intensities during the summer and monsoon periods. Overall, the results demonstrate that GI parasitic infections in North Bengal are influenced by host species and seasonal climatic factors, supporting the implementation of targeted, species- and season-adapted parasite management strategies. Full article

Gastrointestinal nematodes, particularly Haemonchus contortus, represent a major threat to ruminant health and productivity worldwide, largely due to the widespread emergence of anthelmintic resistance. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, benzimidazole resistance has previously been confirmed in domestic ruminants; however, data on wildlife remain lacking. Given the frequent spatial and temporal overlap between domestic and wild ruminants on shared pastures, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of benzimidazole-resistant H. contortus genotypes within a multi-host system. During the 2024/2025 season, a total of 111 abomasal samples were collected from sheep (n = 20), lambs (n = 12), goats (n = 17), roe deer (n = 40) and chamois (n = 22) across four localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Laktaši, Banja Luka, Modriča and Višegrad). Adult H. contortus specimens were morphologically identified and confirmed using real-time quantitative PCR (rt-qPCR). Benzimidazole resistance was assessed by allele-specific rt-qPCR targeting the F200Y mutation in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene. Statistically significant interspecies differences in β-tubulin genotype distribution were observed (p < 0.05), primarily driven by variation in the homozygous resistant (RR) genotype. High RR prevalence was detected in sheep (60%), lambs (50%) and roe deer (52.5%), whereas lower proportions were observed in chamois (27.3%) and goats (23.5%). Overall, 44.1% of all analyzed H. contortus isolates carried homozygous resistant alleles, indicating an advanced stage of benzimidazole resistance within this multi-host system. These findings demonstrate that benzimidazole resistance in H. contortus is not confined to domestic livestock but is also present in wild ruminants sharing the same grazing areas, consistent with circulation of resistant parasites within shared grazing systems. Full article

Galba truncatula acts as an intermediate host for several parasitic flukes of veterinary importance, but a targeted study on its spatial presence as well as the impact of environmental factors in Southeastern Europe has not been conducted. During the summer months of 2017 and 2018, a survey of 191 water bodies in 14 districts in Central, Southern and Western Bulgaria was conducted, with a focus on animal drinking fountains. Each site was assessed for snail presence and characterized by altitude, temperature, precipitation, shade and type of water body. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify the important factors related to the occurrence of snail species. The frequency of habitats found was 29.3%, with no differences observed between the studied districts (p > 0.05). Snails were present across a wide range of altitudes (78–1926 m), annual mean temperature (7.8–14.0 °C) and annual mean precipitation (523–796 mm). The high habitat frequencies were recorded in streams (60.0%) and on the banks on small rivers (50.0%). The presence of snails in the two studied types of fountains (without or with a concrete platform) was 24.1% and 17.2%, respectively, with no significant difference between them (p > 0.05). Regression analysis revealed temperature, shade, and type of water body as factors that could significantly influence the spatial presence of G. truncatula. The findings demonstrate the ecological adaptability of G. truncatula and highlight its presence in habitats with high potential for contact with domestic and wild ruminants. This information fills a regional knowledge gap and can support risk assessment and control measures for fluke-borne diseases in livestock and wildlife. Full article

Bluetongue (BT) is an arthropod-borne viral disease primarily affecting domestic and wild ruminants. In recent years, several BTV serotypes and genotypes have been detected in Israel almost annually, raising questions about their origin and routes of introduction. Some BTV serotypes closely related to those first identified in Israel, including BTV-3, BTV-8, and BTV-12, were subsequently reported in Europe after a delay of several years. In this study, we sequenced the complete genomes of one representative strain of all newly identified Israeli BTV genotypes/serotypes—BTV-1, -4, -5, -8, and -11—first detected between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, complete sequences of enzootic Israeli BTV (2015) and eleven BTV-3 strains (2019–2023), with two representative strains for every year of isolation, except 2021 (three strains), were analyzed using phylogenetic, BLAST, and pairwise identity approaches. Genetic analyses revealed that recently identified Israeli and European BTV strains share common African ancestors, with some genomic “incursions” from Mayotte Island or the Arabian Peninsula. These incursions appeared more frequently in Israeli than in European strains. Nevertheless, nucleotide sequence differences of at least 2–3% across all genes indicate several years of independent evolution. The observed divergence suggests that no direct transmission of BTV occurred between Israel and Europe during the past decade. Full article

The environmental transmission of pathogens from domesticated ruminants presents a significant risk to the well-being of both humans and animals. However, the risk of pathogen release from grazing ruminants in natural grasslands has received comparatively little attention. The threat of pathogen release from grazing ruminants may be increasing owing to grasslands in arid and semi-arid regions experiencing prevalent saline-alkaline degradation. Therefore, further risk assessment of pathogen release driven by saline-alkaline degradation is warranted. Here, we investigated the impact of saline-alkaline degradation in grasslands on the fecal pathogenic bacteria of domestic ruminant cattle by comparing cattle subjected to long-term grazing on undegraded (UG) and severe saline-alkaline degraded (SG) grasslands. Our results showed that the relative abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria including Streptococcus, Mogibacterium, and Alistipes in the SG cattle group was higher than that of the UG group. Notably, the results for correlation analyses showed that the Paludibacter had a positive effect on these three potential pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, we found that excessive intake of sodium and iron is associated with these microbes that have potential pathogenic risks. Our results indicate that the continued global saline-alkaline degradation of grasslands will significantly elevate the risk of animal diseases, and may also pose a serious threat to human health through environmentally mediated transmission. Full article

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a transboundary viral disease of wild and domesticated ruminants, and notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). LSD has spread rapidly in the cattle population across the African, European and Asian continents since 1929. Following recent outbreaks in the Southeast Asia region, Singapore observed its first occurrence of LSD in a local dairy cattle farm in March 2022. LSD was confirmed in dairy cattle exhibiting clinical signs with quantitative real-time PCR and sequencing with MinION Nanopore. Analyses of the assembled whole viral genomes also revealed high phylogenetic relatedness to LSD recombinant strains. It remains unclear how the virus was introduced into Singapore, given the absence of known vectors and strict import regulations in place. This highlights the importance of biosurveillance, and laboratory diagnostic readiness to manage outbreaks and prevent the spread of transboundary diseases. Full article

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most frequently diagnosed microsporidian parasite in humans and a recognized cause of diarrheal disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Its broad host range, which includes livestock, companion animals, and wildlife, highlights its zoonotic potential and warrants careful epidemiological assessment. This narrative review synthesizes available data on the occurrence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in European domestic ungulates (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and water buffaloes) and pets (dogs and cats), aiming to provide an integrated perspective on animal reservoirs and their relevance for public health. Publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database were systematically screened, and country-specific results were extracted, emphasizing prevalence rates, genotype distributions, and zoonotic implications. Across Europe, cattle and pigs emerged as the most studied hosts, frequently harboring zoonotic group 1 genotypes such as I, J, BEB4, BEB6, and EbpA, while small ruminants, horses, and buffaloes remain comparatively undocumented. In pets, the dog-adapted genotype PtEb IX was predominant, but several zoonotic genotypes were also identified. Overall, the current evidence confirms the wide host range of E. bieneusi in Europe but also reveals significant data gaps compared to regions such as China, underlining the need for broader surveillance and harmonized molecular approaches within a One Health framework. Full article

This work proposes to contribute through an interdisciplinary perspective to the evaluation of paleoeconomic and paleoenvironmental changes during Middle Holocene in Southwestern Transylvania. The study integrates archaeozoological data with phytolith analysis to reconstruct subsistence and vegetation dynamics from the Early Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age at Șoimuș-Teleghi (Hunedoara County, Romania). Animal remains are described in terms of their frequency (i.e., number of identified specimens and minimum number of individuals), taphonomic changes, and livestock management (i.e., animal selection by age and sex). Archaeozoological samples are dominated by skeletal remains from domestic mammals (e.g., cattle, sheep/goat, and pig), whose importance varies depending on the cultural level; the skeletal remains of wild mammals are less frequent, mainly belonging to species with large size (e.g., red deer, wild boar, roe deer, aurochs). This study tests whether animal exploitation strategies shifted from ruminant-dominated economies in the Neolithic to greater pig reliance in the Bronze Age, using the Shannon–Weaver diversity index and correspondence analysis. Phytolith analysis of eleven sediment samples from various cultural layers reveals the dominance of Pooideae-type grasses, with both vegetative plant parts and cereal inflorescences as resources. Bioarchaeological data presented in this study reveal a diachronic shift in subsistence practices, reflecting cultural and environmental transformations. Full article